Essex County FA - Premier Cup
Round 4
Hutton 4 Brightlingsea Regent 0
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Hutton vs Brightlingsea Regent
Brightlingsea’s Aspirations Extinguished as Hutton’s Class Shows in Abundance to reach Quarter Final
The Border League side went into this game with good credentials against The Essex Olympian league Division One side having an unbeaten record but they were given a torrid time in the first half trailing three nil and any recovery chances were dashed three minutes after the break. Hutton seeking promotion to the “Olympian” Premier Division and coming off an away 6 – 0 league win last week were impressive as the visitors had no answer to the home side’s counter attacking play and were reduced to only a shadow of a side seeking the Border League Title.
Hutton play their football in Basildon at the well appointed Ford Sports Ground. The conditions were perfect for this tie albeit it was exceedingly cold and the pitch heavy in part.
The first half chance fell to the visitors but leading scorer Terry Rymer fired over. At the other end Luke Meadowright did well to beat defender Jake Holman out on the right and his cross picked James Wheporle but he missed a great chance slicing his shot past keeper Daniel Beeson. As the home side pressed it was soon evident that the visiting side were giving the ball away to cheaply and Meadowwright gave early intent by finding space on the left before crossing into the box but Jake Gould was on hand to head clear.
The signals were clearly visible and the home side took advantage of slack marking in the 8th minute when they took the lead. It was precipitated by a fine inter passing move involving Richard Bowyer and Lee Grover down the wide left before an inch perfect cross picked out the tall central defender CHRIS JONES who rose unchallenged and with power and precision planted his header beyond Daniel Beeson.
Brightlingsea responded and Jake Gould released Dean Sillett down the left and he provided a decent cross but although Rymer created a half chance for himself his shot was blocked. Moments later the referee had words with Rymer who displayed some frustration. Ritchie Meadows for the visiting side drove from the right but keeper George Mallet comfortably held.
The home side extended their lead in the 18th minute when Brightlingsea were caught out on the break with Lee Grover sending a raking pass through the heart of the high defence pursued by LUKE BRADDON who on goal drew Beeson and then slotted home from the edge of the box to make it 2- 0.
Having concede a meagre seven goals in the league this season Brightlingsea were looking harassed to say the least as the home side denied space and were looking to take control of the midfield. When the visitors tried to make an impact they found it heavy going against a well organised side capable of turning defence into attack with speed of thought and accuracy. In the 20th minute as keeper Beeson moved out to the right touch line to clear made a clumsy lunge and was booked for his pains.
The home side appealed for a hand ball offence in the box when Whelporle’s great diagonal ball found Meadwowright but the referee waved play on and then Gould made a superb timely tackle to deny Meadowright as he charged down the right and into the box at the expense of a corner.
The home side were warming to their task looking to emulate their Premier Cup run of a couple of seasons ago when they reached the Semi Final whilst the visitors were looking off the pace and finding difficulty in answering the questions being posed to them in front of a decent size crowd that had assembled.
Brightlingsea’s Darryl Wallis made a penetrative run but when positioned to release the ball chose the wrong option and the potential danger evaporated leaving Rymer with additional frustration. In the 29th minute the referee booked Dean Sillett for dissent and then Ritchie Meadows worked him self into a good position but then overran the ball in the box wasting a good half chance.
However, Brightingsea were unlucky when Rymer hit the bar with a splendidly struck free kick from the edge of the box. Then the visitors created their best chance when following a good move Wallis set up Mathew Hill who from 6 yards out scuffed his shot and George Mallett made point blank save to deny a great opportunity to pull a goal back.
This proved the pivotal point in the half when instead of being a goal behind the visitors fell further behind in the 40TH minute when another ball from defence was met with Meadowwright’s deft header on the half way line in to the path of LEE GROVER who raced away and blasted a left foot shot past Beeson into the roof of the net. Rymer was then booked for a wayward tackle and then produced a cross with pace from the left that saw Holman head well but straight at keeper Mallett.
Overall it had been a disappointing half from the Border League side who had failed to defend counter attacking play that had upset the usually efficient and mean Brightlingsea defence that frankly was often in tatters.
Half Time: Hutton 3 – 0 Brightlingsea Regent
Whatever the half time team talk Brightlingsea Regents revival hopes were all but over on 48 minutes when the visitors failed to clear a free kick and the loose ball fell to the impressive JAMES WHELPORLE who drove home from 6 yards. Visiting keeper Daniel Beeson was then substituted carrying an injury and reserve keeper Adam Augar substituted. Brightlingsea then replaced defender Kieron Baker with Ryan Salter in a straight swap.
However, it was much the same as the first half with the home side continuing to impress and take the game to Brightlingsea and Luke Meadowright struck a powerful volley that went closely over. The mid filed continued to be dominated by the home side supplemented by some fine individual performances particularly Luke Braddon, Luke Meadowright and James Whelporle and the impressive mid field anchor of Carl Baldwin.
At the other end Terry Rymer crossed from an acute angle but keeper George Mallett easily intercepted and then moments alter the same player shot from 25yards but wide of the post.
However, it was the home side grew stronger and Braddon released Whelporle down the left but cutting in drove from an acute angle striking the side netting. James Cole replaced Dean Sillett but this made no impact and indeed the home side went close to adding a 5th when following a corner central defender Jones firmly headed on target but Augar did well to tip over. This was followed with Meadowright releasing a square ball to Grover whose spectacular scissor kick went a foot over and then the substitute keeper did well to deny Whelporle.
In the closing moments Grover crossed into the box and Carl Baldwin headed over. However Hutton had sufficiently impressed to make a strong case for further success in the competition whilst Brightlingsea will doubtless reflect upon what might have happened on another day.
Full Time: Hutton 4 - 0 Brightlingsea Regent
Hutton:
George Mallett; Marco Grivari, Richard Bowyer, Wes Faulkner, Chris Jones; James Whelporle, Carl Baldwin, Lucas Hall, Lee Grover; Luke Braddon, Luke Meadowright.
Substitutes: Ben Lowes, Andrew Thompson, Ben Crooks, Keith Waghorne
Brightlingsea Regent
Daniel Beeson; Kieron Baker, Jake Gould, Darryl Wallis, Jake Holman; Warren Joseph, Ritchie Meadows, Dean Sillett, Mathew Hill; Terry Rymer, Luke Hughes.
Substitutes: Ryan Salter, James Cole, Adam Auger, Mark Gridley
Referee: Mr Adrian Amey (Harlow)
Man of the Match: LUKE BRADDON – Very Accomplished performance who always seemed instrumental in dictating the play for Hutton.
Entertainment Value: * * * *
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Pre Match Thoughts:
Well it was an early start this morning with the visit to Tesco in readiness for the trip to Basildon. It seemed everybody had pressing engagements and needed to get their shopping finished in earnest. Fortunately I had prepared my shopping list Friday night so after concluding the three principle Ss’ in no particular order early and consumed two bowls of puff wheat - I was off. Apart from the usual groceries my wife instructed me to also purchase a new kettle and toaster to replace the apparatus that I had apparently managed to break during the week!! Amazing that!!
Upon my return it was quick google to find the whereabouts of the ground. Unfortunately I had been given a slight variation on the post code sufficient to cause me an unexpected delay in ascertaining the precise ground location. Fortunately the wife was quickly on the case and the post code was amended and the ground identified so all was well. A cup of tea for the road and thanks to the missus and I’m on my way heading out of Ipswich listening to the finest music of the 60’s.
James Webster the Brightlingsea manager was clearly concerned as he text me to ensure that I was not going to Brentwood where a good number of the Hutton Club sides play. A quick response to James - I am on my way to Basildon – no problem.
I arrived with an hour before the kick off. I parked in the car park and noted that there was another car park opposite. However I walked into the building and asked two employees of the Ford Sports Ground and enquired which pitch Hutton play on and was told they were away today. Now do you ever get the feeling that you have not read the script correctly? I retorted by confirming that Hutton were at home in the Essex Premier Cup. This did not seem to impact favourably but I was told to cross the road and ask in the other building to establish an answer to my question. As I walked over there were Brightlingsea players moving out of the building in their pre match warm up gear crossing back through the car park from where I had come. I was encouraged and upon further enquiries realised all was well.
I quickly received the away team sheet and James Webster gave me the Brightlingsea side that I noted was missing winger Phil Kelly. James advised that the reserve keeper was in the squad because of injury issues with Daniel Beeson who nevertheless was in the starting line up.
As I returned from whence I came – back into the car park and towards the pitch - I saw some familiar faces – six ground hoppers - including my “old mate” from Felixstowe. Even more surprising alighting from his car was good friend Chris Dicks – Vice Chairman of the Essex Olympian League. The surprise was simple - he had emailed during the week to ask whether I would be at the Dedham v Manford Way cup tie but I responded confirming that I had elected to travel for this game. Chris had informed me that where he was going – Dedham.
Anyway Chris had changed his mind and he hoped that I hadn’t changed mine. We enjoyed good conversation and I was pleased to see him. There is more about Chris in Miscellaneous.
I was also pleased to meet up with Mr Sillett Grandfather of Grandson Dean playing in this afternoon’s game. He complained that the local paper had not included Brightlingsea’s Friday result when they played at Cornard FC versus Sudbury Athletic. Mr Sillett also expressed surprise that I was not at the game. This was due to my Chairing a League Sub Committee Meeting on the same evening – however it nice to be noted that I was conspicuous by my absence!
With kick off drawing near I had considered my thoughts some days ago and felt that this might be a tough game for the visitors against a Hutton side that are doing well but frankly thought that Brightlingsea should prevail and reach the last eight – what do I know. As the crowd grew in size and the temperature had precipitated the use of my Millwall woolly hat - I settled down with cold hands as the temperature hovered around freezing point and the rest is consigned to the history books.
Post Match Thoughts:
Well I have to say that Brightlingsea Regent were a great disappointment and were only a shadow of them selves. The games that I have seen them in action this season have been impressive and on that foundation and also being unbeaten I was shocked as to how Hutton took the initiative from the outset and thereafter took a complete stranglehold of affairs.
On the balance of play 4-0 would seem flattering but in reality it was the manner in which Hutton used the ball when in possession, especially counter attacking in the first half, which found the Border League side somewhat naive and further compounded their problem by not employing alternative tactics to minimise Hutton’s offensive play.
In fairness going a goal down as early as eight minutes there was always the expectancy that with the likes of Terry Rymer and Ritchie Meadows there would be every chance to get back on level terms but the defence was pulled apart. Jake Holman has been an influential defender this season – a steadying influence - but this afternoon lacked the command that he normally displays. However, Jake Gould was an exception with some fine tackles and interceptions at vital times.
Whilst Darryl Wallis tried hard it was often in vain for the most part as the home side dominated in mid field and was always in support of their front players. In fact Hutton were the best side in all departments and were equipped with some fine players notably “Man of the Match” the talented Luke Braddon, James Whelorple and Carl Balwin who almost single handed influenced the mid field with precise economy, but very effective.
Yes a big disappointment and it will be interesting how Brightlingsea respond in their quest for the League Championship whilst maybe Lawford Lads will fancy their chances when they meet in the League Cup Semi Final in a few weeks time!
In the final analysis Hutton have strong claims on this form to get to Billericay in April and whilst Mersea Island’s Richard Bond is anxious to avoid Frenford Senior next month Hutton likewise should be given a wide berth!
The referee Mr Amey – new to me - was in command throughout and had a fine game.
Miscellaneous:
So with the defeats in the Essex Premier Cup for holders West Bergholt, Hatfield Peveral, and Dedham Old Boys the League’s interest is now solely in then hands of First Division Mersea Island who will play their Quarter Final tie on Saturday the 19th February.
Speaking with Manager Richard Bond he was delighted to win at Premier Division Hatfield Peveral and he will take his chances whoever he meets for a place in the Semi Finals. However, he would prefer not to meet Essex Olympian League Leaders Frenford Senior who have now been victorious over three Border League sides this season – Gas Recreation, Wormingford Wanderers and now West Bergholt – all by the odd goal.
Richard will I am sure like me be awaiting news from Essex county FA headquarters this week for the draw.
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There seems little doubt that both Lawford Lads and Newbury Forest will occupy the two top spots in Division One by the time April arrives. But should Brightlingsea Regent move to the next level from the Border League then Barnston AFC are making a strong claim as they reinforced their position today with a comfortable win at Gosfield. It will be a remarkable turn round of fortune for the Cub who left the Olympian league last season. They have a manager with vision in Leighton Williams and certainly have fine facilities that with their hospitality would grace the Premier Division. Watch this space.
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I had a chat with Neil Bishop in the week who has reinforced the Representative Side Management Team. Neil is watching games within the League assessing players for Manager Richard Elms and last week he watched Rowhedge dismantled luckless Tiptree Jobserve to an embarrassing sizeable defeat. Neil was enthusiastic about the performances of Scott Page who netted six times and Michael Wheeler. There names were passed to Richard as he considers his squad selection for the forthcoming Representative match versus the Suffolk and Ipswich League at Harwich & Parkeston FC Ground on Tuesday 22nd February.
This is an important game for both Leagues not too mention the Annual Silverware. It will hold increased significance for the SIL as like the Border League will be looking to do well in the FA National Leagues Cup Competition. Unlike ourselves the SIL have a First Round Tie to play in March/April - (Border League have a bye through to Round 2 in September). The SIL meanwhile will entertain the Bedfordshire County League and if successful will have another home tie against Reading League or the Kent County League next September.
Interestingly I made reference to Chris Dicks – Essex Olympian League Vice Chairman – earlier whilst at Basildon. Chris watches their Club games each Saturday and provides names of players who he feels are worthy of consideration for their Manager Don Walker. He also expressed his pleasure that both our Leagues will meet for the Annual match – this time at Hornchurch FC Ground in April. He confirmed to me that the hospitality at Hornchurch is second to none not too mention the excellent facilities and embracing very large dressing rooms.
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Whilst on the subject of the Representative match v SIL congratulations to referee Paul Hever who has the middle for the game ably assisted by Simon Bird and Dean Welham. Well done gentlemen.
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I was delighted to receive an e mail from a jubilant West Clacton Manager Glen Eldridge following his side’s fine win last week against previously unbeaten Newbury Forest. He felt “that “Forest” are a very good team” but he continued to tell me “that he has a very honest bunch and at times played better than Newbury Forest” in recording their 4-3 success.
At the age of 26 Glen felt that once offered the post it was too good to turn down. He feels that the Border League is stronger than a few years ago. He also believes “that it is a lot harder than what people think”. He is striving to reach third spot in Division One given the potential incentive and today’s narrow win at Foxash Social maintains a realistic outside chance – but who knows!!!
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I received some interesting emails following the correspondence on the postponed match last week – Wormingford Wanderers v West Bergholt. One was from a referee who wished to remain anonymous but whose comments I very much appreciated and is one of our very top officials.
He recalled that ”On Friday evening I received a call from Mr X, Secretary at Y Club stating the game versus Z was in jeopardy due to a waterlogged pitch. We agreed that I would visit, free of charge at 9.45 on Saturday morning. Mr X and I met to check the state of the field of play. The pitch had been churned up by a College playing a game on the Wednesday – (afternoon). The pitch was very heavily waterlogged but I made the decision to get the wet areas forked and we would play the game. Telephone calls were made to confirm 2pm kick off.
The players from Z Club made some comments regarding the potential state of the pitch at the end of the game. But the referee went on to say “But we did play and to steal your line “the rest is consigned to the history books” He continued “It is indeed a credit to Mr X that we got the game played. As a referee my only concern are players’ safety and can we get a game played today. I am not concerned about next week’s game until we reach next week”.
The referee added – “Now concerning the Wormingford versus West Bergholt game; I believed it was a league rule that the match referee had final say on the pitch condition unless the pitch is council owned. In these cases councils call the games off during working hours. I do not allow a Club to call off my games until I have arranged a pitch inspection, unless we have 6 inches of snow or -10 degree temperatures.
Would it be prudent for the League to re-in force something along the lines of the above whereby a referee is the sole arbiter of a match postponement unless the council call the game off. It does not necessarily take the option away from a Club. The match referee can ask a colleague to inspect a pitch before they make the decision”.
I am most grateful to the referee in question for taking time out to express his views and intend to draw his comments to the next League Management Committee Meeting for discussion and clarification.
Once again thank you.
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There was concern amongst “Ground Hoppers” that a league game took place at Cornard FC on a Friday night that I understand drew many Ground Hoppers to swell Chris Symes gate. The concern was whether this was a press misprint. Well gentlemen let me tell you that as Clubs try to catch up on fixtures alternative venues are being sought to help tackle the back log and to assist may I give you a note of additional fixtures at Cornard FC -
This Tuesday (1st February) West Bergholt will play Sudbury Athletic, and on Wednesday the 16th February West Bergholt will play Wormingford Wanderers. I suspect that Kick off times will be 7.45pm but suggest you assume 7.30 in case of an early start.
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Millwall – A rest day for the mighty Lions.
Next Week’s Match Report - Rayne v Clare Town
John Campany
email: ja.campany@gmail.com